Cherie Castellano

Cherie Castellano M.A., CSW, LPC, AAETS, is a nationally recognized expert in peer support and crisis intervention with over 25 years of experience. Before joining TAPS, she served as the National Center for Peer Support Director at Rutgers University. Cherie developed the nationally recognized "Reciprocal Peer Support Model," which is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and the Department of Defense. As a Senior Research Fellow at the Duke University Global Health Institute and the UNC Peers for Progress Institute, her expertise in trauma-informed peer support led to the development of the "TAPS Bereavement Survivor-Informed Peer Support Model." As a published author and prominent national figure in disaster mental health; military and veteran peer support; first responder peer support; and survivor care, Cherie brings a wealth of expertise to her role at TAPS, where she continues to innovate and promote resilience and healing for military and veteran survivors. Cherie is a law enforcement spouse and proud mother of two. She considers her family and service to others to be her greatest achievements.